In the old days, one wasn’t considered much of a contender for respect unless one had been banned at least once.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Not sure what the “old days” are that you mention - 1999 here - but I guess I’m the FReeper Rodney Dangerfield - I’ve not been banned, so I have no basis for respect at all.
It wasn’t a value held by all across the board. But it was somewhat often expressed somewhat that way.